About Us

The Minneapolis Mounted Police Unit was established in 1992 with just four riders and three horses. Today, the Unit proudly operates with 22 trained riders and 11 exceptional horses. Assigned to the Special Operations Division, the Mounted Unit conducts proactive city patrols on horseback, providing a visible and reassuring presence throughout Minneapolis. The team plays a vital role in high‑visibility crime suppression, particularly in areas requiring concentrated attention, and is heavily utilized during major events and weekend operations in downtown Minneapolis.

In addition to public safety duties, the Mounted Unit participates in hundreds of community engagement events across the city and throughout the metro area. These interactions give community members the opportunity to meet the horses and their riders, strengthening trust and building meaningful connections.

Each of our horses is carefully selected for temperament, calmness, and reliability. Much like their riders, they remain steady under pressure and perform their duties with exceptional courage. Guiding a 1,500‑pound animal through the complexities of an urban environment is a testament to the professionalism and skill of our officers. The partnership between rider and horse—a relationship built on trust, communication, and respect—is remarkable, and essential to successfully carrying out the unique responsibilities of mounted policing.

Where community engagement meets public safety, you’ll find the Minneapolis Mounted Police.

The Minneapolis Mounted Police Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Mounted Patrol Unit of the Minneapolis Police Department. The Foundation offers businesses and private citizens the opportunity to make tax-deductible contributions that help maintain a highly visible and effective mounted patrol presence in the city.

Through community support, the Foundation provides supplemental funding for essential needs such as equipment, training, veterinary care, and other operational costs. In addition to financial support, the Foundation organizes fundraising and public outreach events to promote the mission and values of the Mounted Patrol.

By investing in the Mounted Police, the Foundation helps ensure that Minneapolis continues to benefit from positive, community-oriented policing that enhances public safety, fosters trust, and strengthens connections between officers and the communities they serve.